Vodafone's British division has been shy to embrace Windows Phone much at all in recent months. There'll be no such reservation as of February 6th, when the carrier starts offering a wide array of Windows Phone 8 devices. HTC's Windows Phone 8X and 8S will ship in subdued colors, while the (partly expected) Lumia 620, 820 and 920 will be available in livelier hues. We've yet to hear about pricing -- and there's no mention of Samsung's ATIV S, for completists -- but the launch remains good news for UK residents who want to try Microsoft's approach to smartphones without leaving the Red Dot network.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Nokia

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Via: The Next Web

Source: Vodafone Social

We've seen HTC's Windows Phone 8X in many colors and also many carrier variants -- it's already made its way to AT&T and T-Mobile in the US, and many other operators worldwide. Even though there's already been a heavy dose of coverage on this device, our work isn't quite done yet: Verizon's version has finally graced our reviews desk, which means it's time for us to explain how it differs from the global model, and how it measures up to the competition. The phone will be available in black, red and blue for $199 with a two-year commitment, a $100 markup over the Nokia Lumia 822. Is it worth the difference in price? Join us after the break as we discuss the merits -- and demerits -- of Verizon's newest Windows Phone flagship.

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X (Verizon)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, Verizon

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HTC isn't going to let Nokia keep the Chinese limelight for long: the phone maker has just launched three variants of its late 2012 flagship phones for China's mainland, all of which should reach local stores by mid-December. Those looking for sheer brawn will want the Butterfly. While it's ultimately a slight variant on the J Butterfly (Droid DNA to Americans) that should reach China Unicom, the 1080p smartphone should come to the country in rarer brown and white hues alongside the black we've already seen in the US. Localized models of the Windows Phone 8X and 8S are similarly inbound, but their aces in the hole should be sheer ubiquity -- variants are on the way for WCDMA (China Unicom), CDMA2000 (China Telecom) and TD-SCDMA (China Mobile) networks. We don't immediately have pricing for the two Windows Phone 8 handsets, but the Butterfly should cost a suitably large ¥4,799 ($771) contract-free.

Gallery: HTC Butterfly hands-on in Beijing

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC

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Via: Engadget Chinese (translated)

Source: HTC (translated), Sina Weibo (translated)

You've seen it twice before and you're bound to see it two more times yet. It's the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, Microsoft's signature ambassador to all things mobile and Live-Tiled, and it's now available on T-Mobile. As the carrier's sole WP8 flagship, it arrives with a bit of a stiff leg -- there's none of the flexibility exercised by AT&T's variant, as it comes in just one color (California Blue) and one 16GB storage configuration. At $199 on a two-year contract, the 8X is a pricier buy for T-Mobile's value-minded customers (especially with the $150 Lumia 810 also available). So although we've already passed judgment on both of its GSM twins, we're here to tell you how Magenta's version breaks from the pack.

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X for T-Mobile

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X review (AT&T model)

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X review

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, T-Mobile

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In some senses, we've been waiting for this moment since last May: Verizon is back to selling brand-new Windows Phone hardware. Starting today, the carrier is offering both the $200 HTC Windows Phone 8X as its flagship and the $100 Nokia Lumia 822 for the more cost-conscious. Both Windows Phone 8 devices have a slight spin on the stock formula. Verizon's 8X is currently the only variant of the phone that supports wireless charging, if you're in the position of choosing between Big Red's network and AT&T's; the Lumia 822's differences are more cosmetic, but they may appeal to those who aren't fans of the boxier 810 and 820. The only immediate caveat is a very monochromatic selection that won't improve until the blue and red 8X editions start shipping from next week onwards.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Nokia, Verizon

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Source: Verizon

After what's seemed like an interminable wait, Microsoft's freshly baked Windows Phone 8 devices are finally beginning to flood the US market. And if you happen to be a subscriber on lady Magenta, well then, mark today as the day you can claim the 8X or Lumia 810 as your own -- the latter being a network exclusive. While you won't have your pick from amongst the vibrant color options we've seen so heavily promoted, you will get to choose between HTC's signature device (in California Blue) packing 16GB of storage for $199 or Nokia's all-black low-ender for $149, both available on a two-year contract with a $50 mail-in rebate. Not sure whether or not you should make the leap to WP8? Then be sure to check out our full review of Redmond's mobile OS -- it might help force your hand.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, T-Mobile

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Via: TmoNews

Source: T-Mobile, (2)

Now that we've got the dates and prices sorted, all you need to do is get yourself to the nearest AT&T store (or one of those source links below) today to pick up either of Nokia's Windows Phone 8 handsets (Lumia 920 for $100, or the Lumia 820 for $50) or HTC's Windows Phone 8X, priced along the same lines as Nokia's bigger smartphone. Not a fan of Ma Bell? Then you'll can wait it out with Verizon, which starts taking preorders for both the Lumia 822 and 8X from today.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, AT&T

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Source: AT&T (Lumia 920), (Windows Phone 8X), (Lumia 820)

Three customers in the UK have three new options when deciding how to spend their smartphone dollar (or pound, as it were). Starting today the carrier will now be be home to HTC's Windows Phone 8X, the Galaxy S III Mini and the Xperia J. Prices for the devices are all over the map, with the 8X starting at £350 with a pay-as-you-go plan, while the GS III and Xperia J are £270 and £150 respectively with the same deal. If you're looking to save a bit up front, the 8X can be had for just £29, so long as you're willing to commit to a £30 a month plan. The Sony and Samsung handsets are both available without any upfront costs, with the Xperia starting at as little as £13 a month and the four-inch Galaxy offshoot weighing in at £28 per month. For more details, check out the PR after the break.

Filed under: Mobile

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We recently reviewed the global (HSPA+) version of HTC's Windows Phone 8X, the first handset to cross our desks running Microsoft's newly minted mobile OS. Starting today you'll be able to purchase HTC's 8X for AT&T, which features the same exquisite design but adds LTE and a dash of carrier flavor. Pricing with a two-year commitment is $100 for the 8GB model (available in California Blue and Limelight Yellow) and $200 for the 16GB version (blue only) -- in comparison, the global (HSPA+) phone sells for about £350 ($560) unsubsidized and unlocked. We spent a few days with the 8X for AT&T and while it's pretty much identical to its global sibling, there are a few differences worth mentioning. Hit the break to find out more.

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X review (AT&T model)

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X review

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, AT&T

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It's no secret that HTC has hit a bit of a rough patch. Things started taking a turn for the worse in Q4 of 2011 when its revenue finally stopped growing and profits dropped along with it. Its been a continuous slide since and, if October's sales numbers are any indication, Q4 of 2012 isn't going to be when he Taiwanese manufacturer finally stops the bleeding. For the second month in a row revenues fell by double digits, down almost 19 percent from from September. Year-over-year, things are even worse. Revenues are down 61 percent from October of last year, a significant fall from even last month's 53 percent drop off. The company may even struggle to meet its rather conservative earnings goals. Things are beginning to looks seriously dire for the company which has fallen almost as spectacularly as it climbed. But there's always hope. With the Windows Phone 8X, 8S and the One X+ all right around the bend, the final two months of the quarter could present HTC with a chance at redemption.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC

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Via: Unwired View

Source: HTC

AT&T is finally spilling the beans on how much its Windows Phone 8 handsets will set you back if you plump for a two-year deal. Nokia's Lumia 920 costs $99.99, $50 less than previously speculated, and will come with a free wireless charging plate. If your wallet can't (or won't) stretch that far, then you can snag a Lumia 820 for just $49.99, the same price as last generation's flagship. If you've had your eye turned by HTC's much-lauded Windows Phone 8X, then you can select an 8GB limited edition version in blue or limelight (yellow) for $99.99, or a 16GB device for $199.99. Both of the Nokia handsets will be available to pre-order from the 7th (tomorrow) and available on the 9th (Friday), while the 8X should be rolling around "before Thanksgiving." Now that 'Ma Bell has tipped her hand, it's now down to Verizon, which is expected to make its riposte on Thursday.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Microsoft, AT&T

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It feels like forever since Microsoft announced Windows Phone 8 back in June, but the mobile OS is finally here and with it comes the inaugural volley of compatible handsets. The first one to cross our desks is the global, unlocked version of HTC's Windows Phone 8X, a device we first saw in September. Unlike other current flagships, this phone breaks the bigger-is-better trend by providing a full set of high-end specs in a relatively compact package -- combining a 4.3-inch 720p Super LCD 2 display, Qualcomm dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor and NFC in a sleek and colorful package. Does the 8X have what it takes to carry the Windows Phone 8 torch? Is this a bona fide flagship despite its reduced footprint? Has HTC designed a better handset than its existing Android superphone, the One X? Find out in our review after the break.

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X review

Gallery: HTC Windows Phone 8X review (AT&T model)

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC

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T-Mobile was set to have its own splashy product unveiling today in New York City, but a certain Sandy put the kibosh on that. Now that Google's let its trio of updated Nexus products out of the bag, Magenta's ready to give us pricing and availability for the Nexus 4, HTC 8X and Lumia 810 which are set to hit the carrier's shelves this November 14th. Both Google's and Microsoft's (signature) flagships will be available for $199 on a two-year plan, while Nokia's lower-end WP8 handset will go for $149 with the same contract duration. Also, joining the crowded launch lineup that day is Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 for $349 with a two-year agreement. As for the newly HSPA+ capable Nexus 7, well, you'll be able to snag that refreshed slate on Google Play just one day later. Of course, T-Mo hasn't forgotten about its value-minded sub base, offering up LG's Optimus L9 on the 31st of this month at an affordable $79 on contract. So if it's options you wanted this holiday season, Magenta's doling them out in spades. Hit up the break for the official PR.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Samsung, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, Google, LG, T-Mobile

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Verizon is one of the more common proponents of silly Android device names, in part through its insistence on that "Droid" prefix for some hardware. When its smartphone badges practically demand a pause for breath, you know there's a problem. Android Central's purported copy of a Minimum Advertised Pricing list could show that there's hope for the carrier yet. The chart shows the HTC DLX (6435LVW) skipping the rumored Droid Incredible X name in favor of Droid DNA -- and that's it. No superlatives, no arbitrary "4G LTE" tags to remind us of the network we already know we're using. The 5-inch phone might have even been a reasonable launch, as the MAP shows a $200 contract price that would potentially take effect just before Thanksgiving.

Want more? Other smartphones are on the supposedly leaked MAP list as well, primarily focusing on Windows Phone 8 gear: the as yet unconfirmed Nokia Lumia 822 shows up with a $100 price and a mid-November release window, while Verizon's take on the Windows Phone 8X is present with a $200 price and similar timing. Those who'd rather go for a Samsung phablet than HTC's aren't left out, either. The Verizon edition of the Galaxy Note II is on the list with a $300 price and availability that starts immediately -- rather convenient, that.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Verizon

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Source: Android Central

Nokia and HTC's upcoming Windows Phone 8 flagships are still on the standard release path: announcement, federal approval and now, pre-order. Keeping device availability tucked firmly under its hat, Best Buy is now offering Nokia's Lumia 920 and the HTC 8X for pre-sale, priced at $149.99 and $99.99, respectively. Early buyers have options, too: the Lumia 920 is kitted out in red, blue, yellow, black and white shells. Fashionistas with a flair for purple, however, will need to stick to HTC's hardware. Unfortunately, you don't get that much choice -- Best Buy's pre-orders don't balk at the devices' AT&T exclusivity. The retailer doesn't say when devices are going to ship, but we imagine early adopters won't have to wait too long.

Update: The Lumia 920 has disappeared from Best Buy's listings, while the 8X remains. This seems to suggest that pre-order stock for Nokia's new flagship has sold out, but given the short time it was available, let's hope that other issues are to blame and the absence is only temporary.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Via: WPCentral, Verge, Phone Arena

Source: Best Buy

Shopping for a smartphone can be an exciting and arduous experience. Along with the promise of something new and fantastic, it brings the fear of commitment, and even worse, the prospect of saddling yourself to a lousy device for two years. Fortunately for you, Engadget spends tons of time playing with the latest gear and we're constantly on the lookout for what's coming next. If you're wanting to take the pain out of shopping for a smartphone, you've come to the right place. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: your one-stop resource to finding the best and most exciting handsets on the market today.

Before you dive in, however, we've introduced a few changes to the buyer's guide, so take a minute to prepare yourself for what's in store. First and foremost, you'll now find alternate selections to supplement our top picks. This should already be familiar to many of you, which is the same format we use for our seasonal gift guides. The next one is a biggie: we've dropped the QWERTY selection. By and large, manufacturers and carriers alike have shifted their focus away from keyboard-equipped smartphones, and you'll rarely find more than one option on any given carrier. That said, if you still insist on the tactile experience, you'll always find everything you need to know in our reviews. Finally, whenever possible, you'll now find prices from Amazon Wireless, which allows us to provide you with more compelling budget selections and highlight the substantial savings that you can score by circumventing the carriers. It's not like they need your charity, anyway.

If you're curious to see how it all unfolded -- and we know you are -- join us after the break, where we round up the very best smartphones of the season.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, Google, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, LG, T-Mobile

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According to a leaked roadmap on TMoNews, the magenta carrier appears to have a few tantalizing offerings coming its way this holiday season. A curious BlackBerry handheld dubbed the Armstrong, a color refresh of the Samsung Galaxy S II, a possibly Android-flavored Huawei Summit and the LG Optimus L9 are all slated to launch just on or before Halloween. Going into the next month, we see the HTC Windows Phone 8X making the pre-Thanksgiving cut with a potential debut of November 14th. Notably absent are the Samsung Galaxy Note II and the Nokia Lumia 810, but that doesn't mean they won't be there when December rolls around. Of course, this info didn't come through official channels, so we wouldn't bank on any of the handsets as holiday gifts just yet. Still, its nice to know they're coming, and you can get the full details on these and other devices at the source.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, HTC, LG, Blackberry, T-Mobile

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Source: TMoNews

Now, we don't know for sure what the PM23100 that just made its way through the FCC is, but we'd put pretty good odds on it being Verizon's Windows Phone 8X. Only a couple of hours after what appears to be the AT&T-bound 8X was given the thumbs up by regulators, yet another HTC Windows Phone appeared, with an incredibly similar model number, CDMA radios and compatibility with Big Red's 700MHz LTE. Knowing that it's an HTC Windows Phone and that it packs NFC really doesn't leave too many possibilities. The one pleasant surprise, it's also compatible with GSM frequencies 850 and 1900,, so you'll be able to roam the globe with just the swap of a SIM. Hit up the source to see the filling for yourself.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Verizon

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Source: FCC

Isn't that convenient. With only weeks left to go before the official Windows Phone 8 launch event, what's likely a version of the HTC Windows Phone 8X with North American LTE support has stopped by the FCC for approval. The PM23300 variant we see here (the international 8X is the PM23200) supports both the needed 700MHz LTE band for its eventual appearance at AT&T as well as AWS for wider AT&T coverage and the big three Canadian carriers. All are good signs that HTC is just about ready, although T-Mobile and Verizon subscribers might not want to get overly excited just yet -- there's no AWS 3G, CDMA or Verizon-ready 700MHz LTE to be found on this 8X, which shows that any US launch will still demand multiple editions. The others won't be far behind in the FCC race with that November release window already locked in.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC

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Source: FCC

Can we call October the Month of Metro, even if Microsoft isn't keen on the idea? Hot on the heels of its Windows 8 invitation, the company is asking us to head out a second time to see a street-inspired OS, inviting us to Windows Phone 8's formal launch on October 29th in San Francisco. The teaser doesn't say much about what Microsoft will show, although there's a real chance we'll get firmer launch schedules -- not to mention more opportunities with the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC Windows Phone 8X than staring lovingly at their home screens. You can be sure that we'll report back with the full details.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, AT&T

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While we've already shown you our own detailed preview of HTC's upcoming Windows Phone 8X, now it's the company's turn to put its own spin into it -- and, well, what better way to do so than by posting a "first look" promo video. The short teaser itself doesn't reveal any details we weren't aware of, with the Taiwanese outfit placing focus on the device's variety of color assortments, seamless integration with Skype, the track selection from Xbox Music and, of course, that built-in Beats Audio technology. Unfortunately, there's no mention of an exact release date anywhere to be found in the video, although this shouldn't come as a surprise given the fact we're still waiting for Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 launch to become officially official. Regardless, head on past the break to see what HTC has in store for you.

Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Microsoft, HTC

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Via: MobileSyrup

Source: YouTube (HTC)

HTC and Microsoft have been cautious about what they'll let us see of the software on the Windows Phone 8X and its 8S counterpart. Apparently, they don't have any such compunctions about leaving the phones' naked components hanging in the breeze. Along with outlining the essentialist, Metro-inspired philosophy behind the Windows Phone 8 devices' design, HTC's new behind-the-scenes video (after the break) shows the internals without that extra-colorful shell getting in the way. The exposé is more about the sheer demand for customized hardware to match those distinctive enclosures than anything too scandalous -- that tapered shape requires some finessing on the inside, we're told. Whatever you think of HTC's guided tour, the company has at least learned its lesson and decided against including any unexpected prototypes this time around.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Source: HTC Blog

We just had a chance to see and handle the colorful Windows Phone 8X by HTC, but where will we find it in the US? On stage, the company told us that the new device will be heading to three major carriers: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. All three operators should be pushing the device out sometime in November, though we're still waiting to hear specifics on pricing -- and we also haven't been told details on the availability of the lower-end Windows Phone 8S.

Note: We're hearing whispers that the 8X will be $199 on AT&T and T-Mobile, but both carriers have responded to our request for more information, stating that no pricing has been released yet. The press releases can be found below.

Check out our liveblog coverage of HTC's Windows Phone 8 launch event!

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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One thing's for sure: HTC's not playing it safe with the Windows Phone 8X. The flagship line, officially announced at its event in New York today, arrives emboldened not only by an array of lively hues, but also with the mark of the mighty Microsoft, itself. Yes, you need only glance at the handset's name to know this tapered, polycarbonate affair bears an intrinsic connection to the UI it aims to bolster; a symbiotic bond made all too apparent by the hard-edged, modern hull housing the equally modern, live-tiled WP8 OS. But a focus on fresh, eye-catching industrial design isn't the only tale being told by the OEM. There are specs to talk about -- compelling ones.

Departing drastically from the Mango forbears that attempted to blaze a path, the 8X boasts internals that position it competitively with other contemporary smartphones, ushering WP 8 into the tech industry's here and now. In keeping with its high-end ilk, the device sports a 4.3-inch 720p Super LCD 2 display (341ppi) powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core S4 and complemented by 1GB RAM, NFC, 16GB of storage, as well as an integrated 1,800mAh battery. It should be clear from that rundown alone that this is not your Windows Phone device of yore. So, follow along as we wrap our fingers 'round its California Blue body and report back with some first impressions.

Gallery: Windows Phone 8X hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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Consider this Microsoft's ultimate blessing, or merely a way to guarantee household name recognition. Whatever the case, the company's next-gen Apollo OS is not only powering HTC's newest mobile movement, it's also the headliner. That's right, as clunky as it may initially seem, Windows Phone 8X is the official moniker of the OEM's brightly hued flagship series, an alphabetical denomination that puts it on premium standing with the One X line. And thanks to the loosened spec restraints made possible by WP8, this modern-minded, unibodied beaut reps a 4.3-inch 1280 x 720 Super LCD 2 display with Gorilla Glass 2 coating, dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor buffered by 1GB RAM, 16GB of internal storage, WiFi a/b/g/n, NFC and an integrated 1,800mAh Li-ion battery. There's also quadband radio support for GSM/GPRS/EDGE, HSPA/WCDMA (850, 900, 1900, 2100MHz) and, of course, LTE for stateside carriers.

Though the 8X may share the same boldly colored, polycarbonate construction of its live-tiled Lumia frenemies, it also stands apart with the inclusion of two HTC-specific features: Beats Audio, replete with a built-in amplifier, and ImageChip for continuous shooting. And speaking of optics, this device's dual camera setup packs the combined punch of a 2.1-megapixel front-facer with 88-degree ultra-wide-angle lens and an 8-megapixel rear module with an f/2.0 lens accompanied by a single LED flash -- both capable of 1080p video capture.

While the veil of mystery surrounding this latest tech industry collaboration may have just lifted, you'll still have to wait a bit before it heads to retail. After all, Microsoft's planning its own WP8 coming out party for late October -- a reveal that should finally give us a full look at the smartphone UI formerly known as Metro. With a ship date set for sometime this November, the 8X will be available in four distinct colors - California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow -- on over 150 carriers worldwide. No word on final pricing as of yet. So, until then, sate yourself with this first taste. Official PR after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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